That long-term strategy cuts across thoughts that the Russian ruler demanded instant success.

Rodgers said: “They were revamping the youth academy and looking to bring someone in to implement a similar style to what Jose’s ideas were – a European approach to the game. The mission was to become one of the biggest clubs in the world by 2014.

“In order to do that they had to win Premier League title and the Champions League. So the journey was under way in 2004. And it has been interesting for me to track that.

“Roman was fantastic. He was there. Out on the field. He would come up to training and would watch once or twice a week when he was in the country.

“I always found him really interesting. I had four years there – incredible experiences.

“I also worked with one of the best day-to-day managers in world football in ­Mourinho. He took me under his wing and that was fantastic. He put a lot of faith in my work.”

Rodgers was also in the inner sanctum as excitement grew about the possibility of his now Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard moving to Stamford Bridge in 2005.

Now he’s delighted that the transfer never materialised.

Rodgers added: “At that time it was very close. But he’s a loyal guy and he has stayed with the club which he loves.

“I’m very glad he did stay. He’s one of the greats of the modern generation in football.”